Panasonic Holdings has developed a new plastic material designed to degrade in seawater while providing sufficient strength for automotive interiors and home appliances. The company plans to market this innovative material within the next two years.
Historically, biodegradable plastics have been limited to thinner products like bags and straws due to their vulnerability to water and external pressures. Panasonic’s new material overcomes these limitations by combining plant fibers and resin from plant oils to enhance durability.
The company sees applications for this material in thicker products such as cups and buttons, which can reportedly hold water for up to 24 hours without deterioration. A Panasonic representative described it as “one of the world’s first ocean-degradable materials” with notable strength.
Certified by the Japan BioPlastics Association, the material is projected to decompose by about 90% in seawater within two years. Its cost is expected to be 1.5 to 2 times higher than more conventional plastics.
The rise of bioplastics is reflected in recent industry trends, including Starbucks Coffee Japan’s planned introduction of bioplastic straws produced by Kaneka at various locations. According to Global Information, the global market for biodegradable plastics is set to grow from around $7.38 billion in 2023 to $16.96 billion by 2030. Panasonic will showcase its new material at the CES technology trade show in Las Vegas.
